(from Sanskrit , "good, virtuous, pious") or Sathu () is a PÃÂli word of Sanskrit origin which is used as a form of approbation in both religious and secular contexts in Southeast Asia. It is a kind of Buddhist version of the 'amen' in Abrahamic religions, or the SvÃÂhÃÂ in Yajna, which also served as a form of salutation. Though it is an "untranslatable phrase", it can be variously translated as "amen", "good", "yes" "thank you", "I have received", "well done", "be it so" or "all shall be well".
The Pali word 'sÃÂdhu' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'sÃÂdh' which means 'to accomplish', 'to succeed', or 'to be efficient'. By adding the suffix '-u', it creates the adjective meaning 'accomplished' or 'efficient.' The meaning describes someone who has succeeded in their spiritual or moral endeavors. In classical Sanskrit, its related noun, sÃÂdhu refers to a virtuous or holy person who has renounced worldly life to attain a spiritual goal. This term is closely related with the renunciation ideals central to Indian religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
The threefold repetition of sÃÂdhu is a common Buddhist ritual symbolizing the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Sometimes it is repeated a fourth time in a longer and emphatic tone. The reason Buddhists utter the fourth âÂÂSÃÂdhuâ in such a long manner may be honorific with respect to those who are most disciplined according to the Noble Eightfold Path.
SÃÂdhu is most often heard as a concluding word in a religious setting. It can be used by all Buddhists, such as monks, nuns, and lay practitioners. It is said after receiving offerings, sermons (Dhamma talk), as well as in a profane context. The preacher usually ends his sermon by wishing for the attainment of Nirvana which is then followed by a concluding in unison of "sÃÂdhu, sÃÂdhu, sÃÂdhu". Buddhists say âÂÂsÃÂdhu sÃÂdhu sÃÂdhuâ three times to answer a religious question or express their religious feelings if they find that the request is satisfactory.
When a Burmese monk U Tiloka admonished the villagers to refuse to pay land revenue and capitation taxes in order to obtain home rule against the British Empire, he usually concluded his speeches by asking all who accepted his preaching to say sÃÂdhu three times.
In some Buddhist traditions like Vessantara Festival, the word sÃÂdhu is sometimes followed by the sound of conch or to the sound of a gong to mark the end of each chapter of the recited PÃÂli stanzas.
"SÃÂdhu" is also used to refer something good. In Dhammapada Verse 35, the Buddha said that it is sÃÂdhu to tame the mind.
Satho is a cry for joy in ancient Vedic stories and it is still used in Hindu culture as a general shout of approval in battle. In the Thai version of a legend of the Bhagavad Gita translated by Eliakim Littell, the words sathu, sathu, are put in the mouth of the King:
This word was used by the Buddha when devotees asked him about deep or hard issues. SÃÂdhu is therefore occasionally used in the Tipiá¹Âaka as an exclamation. In the Vinaya Piá¹Âaka, to show his appreciation of something SÃÂriputta had said, the Buddha responded:
SÃÂdhu is also used as the opener in prayers to an image of the Buddha. It is also widely used for non-Buddhist uses. For example, the word sÃÂdhu is used by soldiers offering obedience to kings, or by believers praying to deities such as Burmese nats and devatas as the opener:
SÃÂdhu, sÃÂdhu, sÃÂdhu associated with three folding hands emoticon has become a popular comment on social networks as sign of reverence and encouragement.
Saathukaan () is the traditional melody used by Thai musicians for eulogy and oblation in honour of the Triple Gem, while as special Saathukaan played only by drums is an invitatory for great teachers. Thai pop singer Boom Boom Cash produced a song entitled Sathu () in May 2018. contemporary worship music in Thailand also translates the Christian blessing as sathu, as in the translation of Blessed be your Name ().